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Chris Long Announces He Won’t Return to Pats

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Chris Long posted this to Instagram today, letting Pats fans know he won’t be returning.

Thank you Pats Nation. As a player you’ve given so much support to, I owe you an explanation as to why I’ll be moving on in FA… even if it isn’t a big deal. This year and this opportunity gave me a ton. I made lifelong friends in a great locker room and became a champion. I’m so thankful that Coach B (the GOAT) took a chance on me and allowed me the opportunity to play a small part in this wonderful year. This has zero to do with money, etc. It’s the right move in my heart because I want to get back to being the player I was before. I’m thankful for my role this year, but as a competitor, I’m itching to do what I do best. It was important to say thank you personally. You may not remember me much, but I’ll always remember y’all!! #driveforfive #missionaccomplished

A post shared by Chris Long ?⚡️ (@laflamablanca95) on

Wish it could always be this easy, with players reaching out to the fans to tell them exactly what is going on. Usually free agency happens under a shroud of secrecy, but Long goes out just like he spent this year with the Pats, showing great appreciation for everything that happens in New England from the coach (GOAT) all the way down to the fans like us.

I found the reasoning to be fascinating because you know, I’m a defensive scheme guy. Long was asked to take coverage drops for the first time in his career. It was a little jolting to see him running around in space following a potential receiver, but that’s what made the Patriots defense so much fun this year. Anyone could rush. Anyone could drop.

It’s easy to see why he wants to get back to a standard defensive end role, where he’s setting the edge and going upfield. And with a year of full health under his belt Long still has another couple years of solid play to offer. He will probably be even better this fall being fully healed and back doing what he does best.

He was an awesome one-year player for the Pats and he’s one of the guys I was so happy to see get a Super Bowl title. He was great to the fans and we should all wish him well wherever he ends up next, unless it’s those handful of places we truly hate.